Courts / Kilkenny / Report

Jury begins deliberations in trial of man charged with murdering his mother

Summary

A jury has begun deliberating the trial of a 32‑year‑old man with schizophrenia, Niall Stapleton, who is charged with murdering his mother, Siobhan Stapleton, 51, at their Co Kilkenny home on 25 May 2012. The victim died from blunt‑force trauma to the head after being beaten with the handle of a garden implement. Stapleton pleaded not guilty, claiming he was not guilty by reason of insanity. He told doctors that he believed his mother had been replaced by an impostor when he killed her. An expert witness for the prosecution testified that Stapleton met the requirement for a special verdict of not guilty of murder by reason of insanity. The jury must decide whether his mental disorder meant he did not know the nature and quality of his action, that it was wrong, or that he was unable to refrain from the act. They will resume deliberations tomorrow.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jury begins deliberations in trial of man charged with murdering his mother. Charges or matters: the murder of Siobhan Stapleton (51) at that address on May 25, 2012. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• May 25, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2013-12-17 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report